Suzo stick, maximum precision. Any test?

[Stormrider]

Recently I've been collecting some information about arcade controls because I have the plan on building another control panel, but this time using different components. At first I considered Japanese controls. However, I tried the popular Sanwa stick and I didn't like it, specifically for the games I'm most interested in: shoot'em ups. Its long throw makes it imprecise. I've heard that Seimitsus are much better, featuring a shorter throw.

However, I discovered an European brand called Suzo, which makes a stick called STC Universal, aka Suzo System 500. After reading some posts in the Shmups forum, it seems to be that, together with my current stick (the T-stick / Spring action stick) this is the favourite stick for those who want absolute precision. Reading the information from http://www.kowal.itcom.pl/ArcadeParts_pliki/Joysticki.htm you can see that the engagement and the throw are the shortest of all, which looks promising. For the rest I have not much idea, apart from the fact that it's not the prettiest stick ever, but who cares? I wonder if you have ever had the chance of trying this model. In that case, what are your impressions?

I also plan on using Japanese buttons instead of the classic concave pushbuttons I have now. The may not feel so authentic, but they're quicker and more effective. I've heard they're not as durable as western buttons though. I think I'll use Sanwa RG, which is the high quality model.

[TOK]

I've never used the stick you mention, but I have the Suzo Inductives in my vert cab. It is a very similar looking stick, but doesn't use microswitches. I'd actually be pretty surprised if the STC Universal was a better stick as far as feel goes for shooters. They're ugly looking, but great sticks.

[Turnarcades]

Here at Turnarcades we use the Suzo 500's on most of our cabs. They are inexpensive, precise, reliable, clean looking and incredibly durable.

The best features are that they require no 'fine tuning' and do not go slack over time as many long-throw sticks do. You get a positive click with every movement, there is no excess travel (like up and down as some long throw sticks do), and they do not have that horrible 'floating disc' at the base that I personally hate.

They make a lot of fast-response (ie. shooters) games easier to play as there is less arm/hand movement, and although long-throw is supposed to be favoured for fighting games, those with quick hands find these greater than other sticks as the spring return to centre is precise, meaning you get a good feel for dead-centre when pulling off a series of complex moves.

Many will disagree here, but UK gamers have much more experience with these than the US, so maybe it's what we got used to growing up - they were found on most generic cabinets, as we rarely got the dedicated machines in our seaside towns and back-street arcades!